Episode 246

Halftime is for quitters

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	Matthew Fairburn (The Athletic)
Type	Preview October 16, 2018

Norse Code Episode 246: Halftime is for quitters aired on October 16, 2018.

Overview

The hosts preview the Vikings' upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills with guest Matthew Fairburn from The Athletic. The episode also features discussion of Vontae Davis's mid-game retirement and an extensive mailbag covering topics from injury management to special teams coaching.

Segments

Opening: Bills preview discussion
Bills Preview: In-depth game analysis with Matthew Fairburn
Vontae Davis: Discussion of the cornerback's halftime retirement
Mailbag: Listener questions covering injuries, coaching, and player performance

Mailbag Questions

Thomas Armstrong - Would you rather a win that comes with an injury to a starter on offense or defense or a loss and clean bill of health for the team?
Joe Schnieder - I rewatched the game last night and forgot that Rodgers signaled for a TO when they didn't have any at the end of the 1st half. Was that supposed to be a penalty? And if not should it be? I remember the infamous Chris Webber TO
Bradley Peterson - Is Mike Priefer considered a good coach? Going through the number of kickers and punters he has makes me think nada. We should show him the wide left door.
Joe Jestus - This seems like a game that the Mike Tice/Brad Childress/Leslie Frazier teams would lose. The Vikings that I grew up with would almost certainly play like ass. Do you think we've finally vanquished those demons?
Justin Martin - On the Vikes: Could it possibly be a good thing that no other team is afraid of Treadwell? Could he dominate versus Buffalo? Could they use the pansies of the NFL to boost confidence to help the psyche of high-potential practice warriors who struggle in "real," battles?
Bryan Jellerson - Could we see Roc and Boone make their first NFL reg appearance on Sunday?
Ian - Is there an inherent danger (ie potential mismatches) in intentionally sitting banged-up guys like Cook, Griffen, Elflein, etc... against the Bills this week in the interest of having them ready for the Rams? Or should the staff feel good about the "next man up" philosophy here?
Kyle Slaybee - AP had a "comeback to earth" game last week (rushing wise) and is down to 3.1 ypc for the season. Right now he is on pace for 928 Rushing yards, 8 TDs, on about 300 carries. He is also on pace for 40 receptions for 800 yards. Which is the most likely (assuming full 16 game workload) he eclipses 900 rushing yards, 750 receiving yards or 1,400 all purpose yards? Also does he end the season with more TDs or fumbles (lost or otherwise) he is on pace for 8 each.
Don from Ohio - Dear Fox News analyst and the dude who is 2-58 in his last 60 fantasy football league games: Would it be smarter for the Vikings to rest certain injured starters since the Rams game is on a short week? O/U 2.5 dropped INTs by our defense on Sunday?

Guests

Matthew Fairburn from The Athletic joined to provide analysis and preview of the Buffalo Bills matchup.

Key Bits & Lore

Don from Ohio makes an appearance with his characteristic introduction referencing political commentary and fantasy football struggles
Discussion of Laquon Treadwell and whether opposing teams' lack of respect for him could be turned into an advantage

Production Notes

Episode runtime markers at 60:01, 63:01, 67:38
Time marks: 5:05 Bills preview, 35:35 Vontae Davis, 56:04 Mailbag
Live show promotion: NYC Bar None, Thursday October 18th

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